Pipe coupling seal assembly

ABSTRACT

A pipe coupling assembly for coupling a first end portion of a first pipe with a second pipe includes a socket formed on an end of the second pipe and a locking ring. The socket includes a rim defining an end opening through which at least a portion of the first end portion is inserted, the rim including a rim sealing surface adapted to form a liquid-tight seal around the first end portion. The socket also includes a sleeve portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior space for receiving the first end portion, the interior surface comprising at least two socket sealing surfaces adapted to form a liquid-tight seal around the first end portion. The locking ring is adapted to cause the rim sealing surface to compress to form a liquid-tight seal around the first end portion.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/623,945, filed Jun. 15, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 62/383,800, filed Sep. 6, 2016, whichare incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a pipe coupling assembly foraddressing issues related to leakage between coupled pipes in a simple,easy to use manner.

Transporting liquid from one location to another through a pipe systemtypically requires coupling multiple pipes together. Each point ofcoupling is a potential source of leakage for the liquid beingtransported through the pipe system. For example, transporting liquidfrom a residential or commercial sink to a drain typically includes adrain system formed from multiple pipes coupled together. Addressingleaks in the drain system is a common problem encountered in theplumbing field. Consumers will often try to repair leaks on their ownwithout the aid of a professional plumber, however, the results areoften not satisfactory and leaks will re-occur. Even professionalplumbers can encounter difficulties in addressing some coupling leaks.For example, a drain trap can account for up to 80% of the leaks in anunder-sink drain system.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a pipe system fortransporting liquid. The pipe system includes a first pipe having afirst end portion and a second pipe having a socket formed in a secondend portion of the second pipe. The socket is adapted to receive thefirst end portion of the first pipe therein and the socket includes arim defining an end opening through which the portion of first endportion of the first pipe is inserted into the socket. The rim includesa rim sealing surface adapted to form a liquid-tight seal around thefirst end portion. The socket also includes a sleeve portion includingan exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior spacefor receiving the first end portion. The interior surface includes atleast two socket sealing surfaces adapted to form a liquid-tight sealaround the first end portion. A locking ring couples the first pipe andthe second pipe and includes a first end and a second end connected by abody portion. The first end has a flange defining an opening throughwhich the first end portion of the first pipe is inserted and is adaptedto engage the rim sealing surface when the locking ring surrounds thesocket. A plurality of projections extends from one of the exteriorsurface of the sleeve portion or an interior surface of the bodyportion. The other of the exterior surface of the sleeve portion or theinterior surface of the body portion includes a plurality of channelsadapted to receive the plurality of projections. Each channel includes achannel inlet connected with a channel end portion by a neck portion,the neck portion extending at an angle relative to the second pipe rim.The locking ring is adapted to move relative to the socket between (a)an unlocked condition in which the locking ring surrounds the socket andeach of the channel inlets is aligned with one of the plurality ofprojections, and (b) a locked condition in which the projection isreceived within the channel end portion. When the locking ring is placedover the socket in the unlocked condition and the first end portion isinserted into the socket through the locking ring opening, rotation ofthe locking ring from the unlocked to the locked condition draws theflange toward the rim sealing surface. The flange compresses the rimsealing surface to form the liquid-tight seal around the first endportion. When the locking ring is in the locked condition, thecompressed rim sealing surface and the at least two socket sealingsurfaces provide at least three liquid-tight seals around the first endportion of the first pipe.

According to another embodiment, a pipe coupling assembly includes asocket including a sleeve portion having an exterior surface and aninterior surface defining an interior of the socket. A rim defines anopening into the interior of the socket and a rim sealing surfacesurrounds the rim and is adapted to form a liquid-tight seal. At leasttwo socket sealing surfaces are disposed in the interior surface of thesleeve portion and adapted to form a liquid-tight seal. A locking ringis adapted to receive the socket and includes a first end and a secondend connected by a body portion having an interior surface. The firstend has a flange adapted to engage the rim sealing surface when thelocking ring surrounds the socket. A plurality of projections extendsfrom one of the exterior surface of the sleeve portion or the interiorsurface of the body portion. The other of the exterior surface of thesleeve portion or the interior surface of the body portion includes aplurality of channels adapted to receive the plurality of projections.Each channel includes a channel inlet connected with a channel endportion by a neck portion. The neck portion extends at an angle relativeto the second pipe rim. The locking ring is adapted to move relative tothe socket between (a) an unlocked condition in which the locking ringsurrounds the socket and each of the channel inlets is aligned with oneof the plurality of projections, and (b) a locked condition in which theprojection is received within the channel end portion and the flangecompresses the rim sealing surface. The compressed rim sealing surfaceand the at least two socket sealing surfaces provide at least threeliquid-tight seals around an end portion of a pipe inserted into thesocket.

According to yet another embodiment, a pipe coupling assembly includes afirst pipe having a first end portion including a first rim defining anopening into an interior of the first pipe. A shoulder extends at leastpartially around a circumference of the first pipe adjacent the firstrim. A second pipe includes a socket formed in a second end portion ofthe second pipe. The socket is adapted to receive at least a portion ofthe first end portion therein. The socket includes a rim defining anopening through which the first end portion is inserted into the socket.The rim includes a rim sealing surface adapted to form a liquid-tightseal around the first end portion. A sleeve portion has an exteriorsurface and an interior surface defining an interior space for receivingthe first end portion. The interior surface includes at least two socketsealing surfaces adapted to form a liquid-tight seal around the firstend portion. A locking ring couples the first pipe and the second pipe.The locking ring includes a first end and a second end connected by abody portion, the first end having a flange defining an opening throughwhich the first end portion of the first pipe is inserted. A firstlocking element is disposed on an exterior surface of the shoulder orthe socket and a second locking element is disposed on an interiorsurface of the locking ring. The first locking element is adapted toengage the second locking element such that rotation of the locking ringfrom an unlocked condition to a locked condition draws the shoulder andthe socket toward one another. The rim sealing surface is compressedbetween the flange and the shoulder. When the locking ring is in thelocked condition, the compressed rim sealing surface and the at leasttwo socket sealing surfaces provide at least three liquid-tight sealsaround the first end portion of the first pipe.

Before the various embodiments disclosed herein are explained in detail,it is to be understood that the claims are not to be limited to thedetails of operation, to the details of construction, or to thearrangement of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The embodiments described herein arecapable of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the claims to any specific order or number of components. Norshould the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scopeof the claims any additional steps or components that might be combinedwith or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of a drain system and pipe coupling assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional and top down view of a portion of the pipecoupling assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a top down and side view of a portion of the pipe couplingassembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe couplingassembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe couplingassembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a drain basket for use with a pipecoupling assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A are cross-sectional views of a portion of a pipe couplingassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe couplingassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe couplingassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe couplingassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe couplingassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a portion of a pipe coupling assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a side view of the portion of the pipe coupling assembly ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a pipe coupling assembly accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a side view of a pipe coupling assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe couplingassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a side view of a portion of a pipe coupling assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a drain system and pipe couplingassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a drain system and pipe coupling assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe coupling assembly accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a section view of another embodiment of a pipe couplingassembly illustrating the sealing surfaced in their fully compressedportions;

FIG. 13 is a similar view to FIG. 12 but with the locking ring removed;

FIG. 14 is a section view of another embodiment of a pipe couplingassembly; and

FIG. 15 is a similar view to FIG. 12 but with the socket removed tobetter illustrate the sealing assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1E, a pipe system 10, illustrated as a drainsystem, includes multiple pipes, such as drain pipe F, a T-shaped pipeH, a liquid trap I, and a cross-over pipe J, coupled together totransport liquid. In one embodiment, pipe system 10 is in the form of adrain system 10 for transporting liquid from a sink basin 12 to a drain(not shown). Each of the pipes F, H, I, J of drain system 10 is coupledto an adjacent pipe F, H, I, J by a pipe coupling assembly 20 describedherein. While pipe coupling assembly 20 is described in the context ofan under-sink drain system, it will be understood that pipe couplingassembly 20 can be used to couple adjacent pipes in any liquidtransporting pipe system. Pipe coupling assembly 20 can be used alone ina liquid transporting pipe system or in combination with other types ofcoupling assemblies. The components of drain system 10 and pipe couplingassembly 20 can be made from any suitable material or combination ofmaterials, non-limiting examples of which include metal and polymericmaterials.

Referring now to FIG. 2, sink basin 12 is coupled with drain system 10by a drain basket A that includes an extended pipe neck portion 14adapted to be received within a socket G for coupling drain basket Awith a drain pipe F (FIG. 1A). A rubber gasket B fits against a bottomof sink basin 12 and around drain basket A. An optional cardboard gasketC and/or plumber's lube can be provided between rubber gasket B and adrain basket nut D used to force rubber gasket B tight against thebottom of sink basin 12. The drain basket A can include a lip 22 thatengages an inner bottom surface of sink basin 12. Plumbers putty orother sealing compound can be applied to lip 22 and sink basket nut Dcan apply pressure to draw lip 22 against the inner bottom surface ofsink basin 12, forming a liquid tight seal and squeezing out the excessplumber's putty. The exact manner in which drain basket A is sealed withsink basin 12 is not germane to the embodiments of the invention and caninclude fewer or additional components without deviating from the scopeof the invention. As is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art,the dimensions provided in FIG. 2 are exemplary dimensions only and canvary based on intended use and the size of the components to which drainbasket A is to be coupled. Any one or more of the dimensions provided inFIG. 2 can be varied as desired for suitability with coupling to anadjacent component, such as sink basin 12 or coupling assembly 20 (FIG.1A-1E). The exemplary dimensions of FIG. 2 are not limiting, but ratherintended to provide just one of many possible examples.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, drain basket A (FIG. 1A) is coupled withdrain pipe F by coupling assembly 20, which includes a locking ring Eand a socket G. Socket G is formed in an end portion of drain pipe F, orany other pipe, for coupling to an end portion of an adjacent pipe.Socket G includes at least two sealing surfaces 30, 32 on an interiorsurface of socket G. Sealing surfaces 30, 32 are spaced along alongitudinal axis 34 of socket G. While socket G is illustrated with twosealing surfaces 30, 32, it is within the scope of the invention forsocket G to include additional sealing surfaces arranged parallel with,but spaced from, sealing surfaces 30, 32.

Socket G includes a rim 36 defining an opening into an interior ofsocket G through which neck portion 14 (FIGS. 1A and 2) is inserted. Arim sealing surface 40 is provided on rim 36 for forming a liquid-tightseal between socket G and inserted neck portion 14. Socket rim 36includes an angled surface that is angled inward to the interior ofsocket G that supports rim sealing surface 40.

Sealing surfaces 30, 32 and rim sealing surface 40, together form pipecoupling sealing surfaces K (FIGS. 7A-7B and 8A-8B), can be the same ordifferent. Thus, sealing surfaces 30, 32 form first and second lines ofdefense against leaks, and the rim sealing surface 40 provides a thirdline of defense against leaks. In addition, sealing surfaces 30, 32 holdthe inserted tube parallel to the coupler as well as absorb shock due tobumps or impacts without losing the water tight seal.

In one example, sealing surfaces 30, 32 and rim sealing surface 40 arein the form of silicone gaskets. The interior surface of socket G canoptionally be provided with grooves adapted to support each of thesealing surfaces 30, 32. The sealing surfaces 30, 32 and rim sealingsurface 40 can optionally be bonded with the adjacent surface using anadhesive or a melt weld. In one example, sealing surfaces 30, 32 and rimsealing surface 40 are molded gaskets, such as injection molded siliconegaskets. The molded gaskets are optionally embedded within a recessformed in the corresponding supporting part.

For example, socket G can be made from a suitable polymeric material,such as polyvinylchloride, through an injection molding process, andsilicone gaskets 30, 32, and 40 are formed during a separate injectionmolding process to bond the silicone gaskets 30, 32, and 40 to theadjacent surfaces of socket G (or snapped into place as noted). Siliconeis selected as an exemplary material for the sealing surfaces 30, 32,and 40 due at least in part to its elastomeric and stress relaxationcharacteristics. Silicone-based materials can also be relativelyresistant to heat compared to other elastomers and can generally provideacceptable or better sealing pressure when used with the couplingassembly 20.

As best seen in FIG. 3A, locking ring E includes a first end 44, asecond end 46, and a body portion 48 extending between first and secondends 44, 46. First end 44 includes a flange 50 that extends inwardtoward a center of the locking ring E. Second end 46 is configured toreceive socket G to allow locking ring E to be placed over the end ofsocket G. Flange 50 defines an opening in the first end 44 of lockingring E that is dimensioned so as to allow neck portion 14 of drainbasket A to be inserted through locking ring E and into socket G.

Socket G includes a first locking element 52 that is configured to matewith a second locking element 54 formed on the locking ring E. Asillustrated in FIG. 1A, in one embodiment, first locking element 52 isin the form of a plurality of projections 52 extending from an exteriorsurface of socket G and spaced about a circumference of socket G. Withreference to FIGS. 3A-3C, second locking element 54 is in the form ofchannels formed in an interior surface of body portion 48 of lockingring E. Projections 52 and channels 54 are configured such thatprojections 52 travel along channels 54 as locking ring E is rotatedrelative to socket G, drawing flange 50 toward socket rim 36, therebycompressing rim sealing surface 40 between flange 50 and socket rim 36.When an end portion of a pipe, such as neck portion 14 of drain basketA, is located within socket G, compression of rim sealing surface 40between flange 50 and socket rim 36 can form a liquid-tight seal betweensocket G and the inserted pipe end portion.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, channels 54 include achannel inlet 60 connected with a channel end portion 62 by a channelneck portion 64. Channel neck portion 64 extends at an angle betweenchannel inlet 60 and end portion 62 to facilitate drawing flange 50 andsocket rim 36 together as locking ring E is rotated relative to socketG. Channel neck portion 64 has a length and an angle with respect to rim36 selected to provide the desired amount of compression on rim sealingsurface 40 when locking ring E is rotated. The dimensions and locationof channels 54 and projections 52 is selected based on a desired amountof rotation of locking ring E that provides a desired amount of sealingsurface compression and/or torque. For example, channel neck portion 64can be formed at an angle of approximately 9 to 12 degrees with respectto the rim 36 and have a length such that a predetermined amount ofrotation of locking ring E provides the desired amount of compression onrim sealing surface 40. In one example, channel neck portion 64 isformed at a 9-12 degree angle and has a length such that rotation oflocking ring E about approximately a 1.4043 inch arc, which correspondsto a little less than a ¼ turn, provides the desired amount ofcompression on rim sealing surface 40. It will be understood that thelength and/or angle of channel neck portion 64 may be selected to allowlocking ring E to be turned any desired amount, non-limiting examples ofwhich include a ½ turn, a ¾ turn, a full rotation, and any multiples ofa partial or complete turn, to provide the desired amount ofcompression.

Projections 52 include upper and lower camming surfaces provided at anangle corresponding to the angle of channel neck portion 64 tofacilitate travel of projections 52 within channel 54. Projections 52are spaced as desired about the circumference of socket G, and in theillustrated embodiment are equally spaced about the circumference tofacilitate evenly compressing rim sealing surface 40 as locking ring Eis rotated.

Projections 52, channels 54, and rim sealing surface 40 are adapted toprovide a predetermined amount of compression of rim sealing surface 40when locking ring E is moved from the unlocked condition of FIG. 3A tothe locked condition of FIG. 3C. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, when lockingring E is placed on socket G, with projections 52 aligned with channelinlet 60, there is essentially no compression (“0” compression) of rimsealing surface 40 by flange 50. As locking ring E is rotated andprojections 52 travel along the channel neck portion 64 to end portion62, locking ring E and socket G are drawn together and flange 50 appliespressure to rim sealing surface 40 to compress rim sealing surface 40(FIG. 3B), optionally to its maximum compression before the locking ringis moved or seated in its locked positon. Once locking ring E is movedto its locked position, the compression rim sealing surface is thencompressed to a “resting” compression as shown in FIG. 3C, which is lessthan its maximum compression. Compression of rim sealing surface 40facilitates forming a liquid-tight seal around a pipe end portioninserted within socket G. Forming rim 36 with a surface angled inwardtoward the interior of socket G facilitates directing compressed rimsealing surface 40 against the inserted pipe end portion to form theliquid-tight seal.

The components of socket G and locking ring E are selected to providethe desired amount of sealing surface compression based on the intendeduse of pipe coupling assembly 20. The dimensions of projections 52,channels 54, rim sealing surface 40, and neck portion 14 are selected toprovide the desired amount of sealing surface compression when lockingring E is in the locked condition. The dimensions of neck portion 14,socket G, and socket sealing surfaces 30, 32 can also be selected toprovide the desired amount of sealing surface compression when neckportion 14 is inserted into socket G to form a liquid-tight seal. Inaddition, the materials forming rim sealing surface 40 and socketsealing surfaces 30, 32 are selected based on the amount of compressiondesired when socket G and neck portion 14 are coupled.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, example dimensions according to oneembodiment in a low-pressure system, such as an under-sink drain system,for forming a liquid-tight seal are illustrated. In this example, rimsealing surface 40 has a radial thickness of about 0.2945 inches whennot compressed and is compressed to about 0.2638 inches when neckportion 14 is inserted into socket G, resulting in a compression ofabout 0.0370 inches in radial thickness of rim sealing surface 40. Whenlocking ring E is moved to the locked position, rim sealing surface 40is compressed axially about 0.0656 inches (approximately 1/16 inch). Thecombination of radial and axial compression of rim sealing surface 40against neck portion 14 contributes to forming the liquid-tight sealaround neck portion 14. In this example, socket sealing surfaces 30, 32have a radial thickness of about 0.0924 inches before neck portion 14 isinserted into socket G. When neck portion is fully inserted into socketG, neck portion 14 compresses the radial thickness of socket sealingsurfaces 30, 32 to about 0.0624 inches, resulting in a radialcompression of about 0.0300 inches. As used herein, compression ofsealing surfaces 30, 32, and 40 is determined by measuring the distancean object traveled in compressing of the sealing surface. It will beunderstood that neck portion 14, socket G, and locking ring E may beconfigured to provide different amounts of radial and/or axialcompression of rim sealing surface 40 and socket sealing surfaces 30, 32to provide the desired degree of sealing between socket G and neckportion 14. In another example, the uncompressed and compressed radialand/or axial dimensions of rim sealing surface 40 and socket sealingsurfaces 30, 32 differ from the example just described, with the neckportion 14, socket G, and locking ring E configured to provideapproximately the same change in radial and/or axial dimensions uponinsertion of neck portion 14 into socket G and locking of locking ringE.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate exemplary dimensions for one embodiment of pipecoupling assembly 20. As is understood by one of ordinary skill in theart, the dimensions provided in FIGS. 4 and 5 are exemplary dimensionsonly and can vary depending on intended use and the size of thecomponents which are being coupled. Any one or more of the dimensionsprovided in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be varied as desired for suitability withcoupling to an adjacent component, non-limiting examples of whichinclude drain basket A, drain pipe F, T-shaped pipe H, liquid trap I,and cross-over pipe J (FIG. 1A-1E). The exemplary dimensions of FIGS. 4and 5 are not limiting, but rather intended to provide just one of manypossible working examples.

While projections 52 are described as being formed by socket G andchannels 54 are described as formed in locking ring E, the location ofthe projections 52 and channels 54 can be reversed such that projections52 are formed on the interior surface of body portion 48 of locking ringE and channels 54 are formed in the exterior surface of socket G. In thereversed configuration, locking ring E is rotated relative to socket Gin the manner described above to draw locking ring E and socket Gtogether to compress rim sealing surface 40.

Referring now to FIG. 6, locking ring E can have any desiredcross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, locking ring E includesmultiple rounded corners to facilitate grasping locking ring E androtating locking ring E. As is understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art, the dimensions provided in FIG. 6 are exemplary dimensions onlyand can vary depending on intended use and the size of the componentswith which locking ring E is being used. Any one or more of thedimensions provided in FIG. 6 can be varied as desired for suitabilitywith coupling a pipe end portion, such as drain pipe F or neck portion14, with socket G (FIGS. 1A-1E). The exemplary dimensions of FIG. 6 arenot limiting, but rather intended to provide just one of many possibleexamples.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E and FIGS. 7A-B and 8A-B, pipe couplingassembly 20 can be used on any type of pipe, non-limiting examples ofwhich include liquid trap I (FIGS. 7A-B), a T-shaped pipe L (FIGS.8A-B), and cross-over pipe J (FIG. 1A). Pipe coupling assembly 20 can beused with any pipe end portion having an uninterrupted exterior surface,i.e. no special features are required on the inserted pipe end portionfor use with pipe coupling assembly 20 and thus pipe coupling assembly20 can essentially be used with any pipe end portion to form aliquid-tight seal. For example, because pipe coupling assembly 20 doesnot require the inserted pipe portion to have any particular exteriorfeatures for coupling, the dimensions of socket G can be configured foruse with any existing pipe having an end portion having a straightsection long enough to fit within socket G and engage both socketsealing surfaces 30, 32. Socket G and socket sealing surfaces 30, 32 canhave dimensions customized to receive a pipe end portion of a particulardimension or dimensions corresponding to commonly used pipe dimensions.For example, the dimensions of socket G and socket sealing surfaces 30,32 can be configured to seal with pipes typically used in under-sinkdrain systems. Pipe coupling assembly 20 also facilitates designing kitsfor sale that are interchangeable. Regardless of what type of connectingpipe is being used—drain basket, T-shaped, liquid trap, etc. . . . —aslong as the connecting pipe includes an end portion having a straightsection with dimensions configured to be received within socket G andcompress socket sealing surfaces 30, 32 and to seal with rim sealingsurface 40 when locking ring E is in the locked position, pipe couplingassembly 20 can be used.

The multiple socket sealing surfaces 30, 32 inside socket G facilitateholding the inserted pipe end portion parallel within socket G and alsocreate multiple seals within socket G that contribute to forming aliquid-tight seal. Compression of rim sealing surface 40 forms a thirdseal around the inserted pipe end portion, further contributing toformation of a liquid-tight seal. The multiple socket sealing surfaces30, 32 help to hold and stabilize the inserted pipe end portion relativeto socket G, which can contribute to forming the liquid-tight seal. Thedesign of pipe coupling assembly 20 is easy to use and incorporateacross multiple different types of pipe configurations. In addition,locking ring E, which is designed to provide the correct amount ofsealing compression to rim sealing surface 40, makes pipe couplingassembly 20 “user-friendly” for consumers. Locking ring E removes theguess-work for consumers compared to other systems that utilize atraditional threaded nut for tightening the connection in which it isunclear whether the nut has been tightened enough or not enough. Lockingring E is configured to provide the correct amount of sealing surfacecompression when rotated into the locked condition.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, another embodiment of a pipe coupling assembly20′ is illustrated that is similar to pipe coupling assembly 20 in manyrespects. Those parts of drain system 10′ and pipe coupling assembly 20′similar to those of drain system 10 and pipe coupling assembly 20 ofFIG. 1A are labeled with a prime suffix.

Drain basket A′ is coupled with sink basin 12 in the same manner asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 1A. Neck portion 14′ of drainbasket A′ includes a shoulder 100 having a channel 54′ (FIG. 10) formedtherein. Drain basket A′ is coupled with drain pipe F′ by pipe couplingassembly 20′ through shoulder 100.

With reference to FIG. 9, neck portion 14′ of drain basket A′ isconfigured to be inserted through locking ring E′ into socket G′. SocketG′ includes at least two sealing surfaces 30′, 32′ for forming aliquid-tight seal with neck portion 14′ in a manner similar to thatdescribed above for coupling assembly 20 of FIG. 1A. Neck portion 14′ isinserted into socket G′ and locking shoulder 100 is moved toward socketrim 36′. Socket rim 36′ includes a sealing surface 40′ which sealsagainst shoulder 100 to form an additional liquid-tight seal. Shoulder100 can optionally include a sealing surface 102 that forms aliquid-tight seal with sealing surface 40, as shown. Alternatively, theshoulder 100 does not include a separate sealing surface and forms aseal directly against the rim sealing surface 40′. Socket rim 36′includes a flange portion 36 a′ that projects outward, away from theinterior of socket G′, and is adapted to be engaged by flange 50′ onlocking ring E′.

Referring now to FIG. 10, shoulder 100 includes a channel 54′ configuredto receive a projection 52′ on locking ring E′. Projection 52′ (FIG. 9)is configured to travel along channel 54′ from channel inlet 60′,corresponding to an unlocked condition, along channel neck portion 64′to channel end portion 62′, which corresponds to a locked condition. Thedimensions of locking ring E′ and drain pipe F′ are configured such thatlocking ring E′ is slid onto drain pipe F′ over the end portion oppositesocket G′ until flange 50′ engages socket rim 36′. Projections 52′ onlocking ring E′ are aligned with channel inlet 60′ on shoulder 100 andneck portion 14′ of drain basket A′ is inserted into socket G′. Rotationof locking ring E′ causes projection 52′ to travel along channel neckportion 64′ to channel end portion 62′, which draws shoulder 100 andsocket G′ toward one another. The number and spacing of projections 52′and channels 54′ can be any desired number and spacing. In one example,coupling assembly 20′ includes two equally spaced projections 52′configured to mate with two channels 54′.

When projections 52′ reach channel end portion 62′, shoulder 100 andsocket G′ have been drawn toward one another to form a liquid-tight sealbetween shoulder 100 and socket G′. A length and/or angle of channel 54′is selected to provide the desired amount of compression of the sealingsurfaces between shoulder 100 and socket G′ to form the liquid-tightseal. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, shoulder 100includes shoulder sealing surface 102 that engages and compressesagainst rim sealing surface 40′ when locking ring E′ is moved into thelocked condition. However, only one of shoulder 100 and socket G′ caninclude sealing surface 102 or 40′, respectively, for compressingagainst and sealing with the other of shoulder 100 and socket G′. Thematerials used for shoulder sealing surface 102 and rim sealing surface40′ are selected to provide the desired amount of compression whenlocking ring E′ is in the locked condition. The shoulder sealing surface102 and rim sealing surface 40′ are formed from the same or differentmaterials and can be configured to compress to the same or differentdegree.

As described above, neck portion 14′ of drain basket A′ has an extendedlength to form a surface for sealing with socket sealing surfaces 30′,32′. The dimensions of socket G′, socket sealing surfaces 30′, 32′, andneck portion 14′ are configured to provide a predetermined amount ofcompression when neck portion 14′ is inserted into socket G′. Socketsealing surfaces 30, 32′, rim sealing surface 40′, and shoulder sealingsurface 102, when present, act together to form pipe sealing surfacesK′. One or more of pipe sealing surfaces K′ can be the same ordifferent. The interior surface of socket G′ can optionally be providedwith grooves adapted to support each of the sealing surfaces 30′, 32′.Sealing surfaces 30′, 32′, rim sealing surface 40′, and/or shouldersealing surface 102 can optionally be bonded with the adjacent surfaceusing an adhesive or a weld. In one example, sealing surfaces 30′, 32′,rim sealing surface 40′, and/or shoulder sealing surface 102 are moldedgaskets, such as injection molded silicone gaskets. In another examplesealing surfaces 30′, 32′, 40′, and/or 102 are at least partiallyembedded within a recess formed in the supporting part and areoptionally bonded to at least one surface within the recess. Forexample, sealing surfaces 30′, 32′, 40′, and/or 102 can be injectionmolded within a recess formed in the supporting part such that sealingsurfaces 30′, 32′, 40′, and/or 102 are embedded, molded gaskets. Inanother example, while sealing surfaces 30′, 32′ and rim sealing surface40′ are formed from embedded and/or bonded silicone gaskets, shouldersealing surface 102 is in the form of an embedded and/or adheredsemi-firm rubber gasket.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a pipe coupling assembly20″ that is similar to pipe coupling assembly 20 and 20′ in manyrespects is illustrated. Those parts of drain system 10″ and pipecoupling assembly 20″ similar to those of drain system 10, 10′ and pipecoupling assembly 20, 20′ of FIGS. 1A-1E and 9, respectively, arelabeled with a double prime suffix.

Referring to FIG. 11, socket G″ is similar to socket G of FIG. 1A andincludes 3 sealing surfaces, for example, rim sealing surface 40″ andtwo sealing surfaces 30″, 32″. Socket G″ also includes channel 54″ whichis configured to mate with locking ring E″ to couple end portion 14″ ofconnecting pipe with socket G″. End portion 14″ of the connecting pipeincludes a shoulder 100″ which seals with rim sealing surface 40″.Locking ring E″ includes a plurality of projections 52″ that engagechannels 54″ in socket G″ to draw end portion 14″ and socket G″ togetheras locking ring E″ is rotated into the locked condition. Locking ringflange 50″ engages shoulder 100″ to draw end portion 14″ toward socketG″ as locking ring E″ is rotated to the locked condition. Shoulder 100″optionally includes a sealing surface 102″ for compressing against andsealing with rim sealing surface 40″ in a manner similar to thatdescribed above for pipe coupling assembly 20′.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the numeral 120 designates yet anotherembodiment of a coupling assembly. Similar to coupling assembly 20,coupling assembly 120 may include a locking ring 122 and a pipe socket124, similar to locking ring E and socket G described above. Socket 124is formed on an end portion of drain pipe F, or any other pipe, forcoupling to an end portion of an adjacent pipe, such as pipe neckportion 14. Socket 124 includes at least two annular sealing surfaces130, 132 on an interior surface 126 of socket 124. In the illustratedembodiment, sealing surfaces 130 and 132 are mechanically coupled tointerior surface 126 of socket 124, for example, with a snap-fitcoupling. Similar to sealing surfaces 30, 32, sealing surfaces 130, 132are spaced along a longitudinal axis 134 of socket 124 so that they canprovide assistance with keeping tube F aligned in socket 124, as notedbelow. While socket 124 is illustrated with two sealing surfaces 130,132, it is within the scope of the invention for socket 124 to includeadditional sealing surfaces arranged parallel with, but spaced from,sealing surfaces 130, 132.

Referring to FIG. 13, socket 124 includes a rim 136 defining an openinginto the interior of socket 124 through which a pipe, such as pipe neckportion 14 of a drain basket (FIGS. 1A and 2) may be inserted. Anannular rim sealing surface 140 is provided on rim 136 for forming aliquid-tight seal between socket 124, locking ring 122, and insertedneck portion 14. Socket rim 136 includes an angled surface 136 a that isangled inward to the interior of socket 124 that supports rim sealingsurface 140. Further, as will be more fully described below, rim sealingsurface 140 is also mechanically coupled to interior surface 126 ofsocket 124.

In addition, socket 124 includes a radiused transition 124 a between itsrespective pipe, such as pipe F, to which coupling assembly 120 couplesthe first pipe (e.g. pipe neck portion 14). Radiused transition 124 aoptionally includes radiused corners at the transitions between thethicker wall portion of socket 124 and the pipe (e.g. pipe F) to reducethe stresses, for example, during manufacturing, installation, and/oruse.

Sealing surfaces 130, 132 and rim sealing surface 140 together may formpipe coupling sealing surfaces, such as pipe coupling sealing K shown inFIGS. 7A-7B and 8A-8B.

In one example, sealing surfaces 130, 132 and rim sealing surface 140are formed from any suitable rubber material that is capable ofwithstanding harsh chemicals of drain cleaners, while still providing asealing surface. For example, suitable rubbers include neoprene rubber.

In the illustrated embodiment, interior surface 126 of socket 124 isprovided with annular recesses or grooves 126 a, 126 b, 126 c adapted tosupport and contain at least a portion of each of the sealing surfaces130, 132, and 140. As noted, sealing surfaces 130, 132, and sealingsurface 140 may form a snap-fit coupling with socket in recesses 126 a,126 b, and 126 c. The gasket sealing surfaces 130, 132 and rim sealingsurface 140 can optionally alternatively or in addition be bonded withthe interior surface 126 in grooves 126 a, 126 b, and 126 c using anadhesive or a weld or via molding as described below.

In one example, sealing surfaces 130, 132 and rim sealing surface 140are molded, such as by silicone injection molding.

Further, sealing surfaces are optionally molded with the interiorsurface of socket 124 using two shot molding so that the respectivesealing surfaces are integrally formed with the interior surface 126 ofsocket 124.

For example, socket 124 can be made from a suitable polymeric material,such as polyvinylchloride, through an injection molding process, andsealing surfaces 130, 132, and 140 may be formed during a separateinjection molding process to bond the sealing surfaces 130, 132, and 140to the surfaces of socket 124.

In one embodiment, sealing surfaces 130, 132, and 140 are formed fromsilicone or silicone-based material due at least in part to itselastomeric and stress relaxation characteristics. Silicone-basedmaterials can also be relatively resistant to heat compared to otherelastomers and can generally provide acceptable or better sealingpressure when used with the coupling assembly 120.

In one embodiment, sealing surfaces 130, 132, and/or 140 are formed froma material, such as neoprene, such that they may form a snap fitcoupling with their respective grooves 126 a, 126 b, and/or 126 c.

Referring again to FIG. 12, locking ring 122 includes a first end 144, asecond end 146, and a body portion 148 that extends between first andsecond ends 144, 146. First end 144 includes a flange 150 that extendsradially inward toward a center of the locking ring 122. Second end 146is configured to receive socket 124 to allow locking ring 122 to beplaced over the end of socket 124. Further, inwardly facing surface 152of ring 122 may include a sealing surface 154, which is optionallymounted to inwardly facing surface 152 of ring 122, for example, in anannular groove 152 a so that sealing surface 154 is also mechanicallycoupled to coupling assembly 120.

Flange 150 of locking ring 122 defines an opening in the first end 144of locking ring 122 that is dimensioned so as to allow neck portion 14of drain basket A to be inserted through locking ring 122 and intosocket 124.

Socket 124 and locking ring 122 may include locking elements, such aslocking elements 52 and 54 described above, so that when locking ring122 is rotated relative to socket 124, the locking elements draw flange150 toward socket rim 136, thereby compressing rim sealing surface 140between flange 150 and socket rim 136. When an end portion of a pipe,such as neck portion 14 of drain basket A, is located within socket 124,compression of rim sealing surface 140 between flange 150 and socket rim136 can form a liquid-tight seal between socket 124 and the insertedpipe end portion.

The components of socket 124 and locking ring 122 are selected toprovide the desired amount of sealing surface compression based on theintended use of pipe coupling assembly 120. The dimensions of variouslocking elements and sealing surfaces (130, 132, and 140) are selectedto provide the desired amount of sealing surface compression whenlocking ring 122 is in the locked condition. The dimensions of neckportion 14, socket 124, and socket sealing surfaces 130, 132 can also beselected to provide the desired amount of sealing surface compressionwhen neck portion 14 is inserted into socket 124 to form a liquid-tightseal. In addition, the materials forming rim sealing surface 140 andsealing surfaces 130, 132 are selected based on the amount ofcompression desired when socket 124 and neck portion 14 are coupled.

In the illustrated embodiment, rim sealing surface 140 extends belowangled surface 136 a of rim 136 and couples to interior surface 126, asnoted above, via groove 126 c, which is also below angled surface 136 a.Optionally, rim sealing surface 140 extends only partially across rim136, which allows for dual compression from the inserted tube F and thelocking ring 122. In addition, rim sealing surface 140 may be formedfrom a softer material than sealing surfaces 130, 132, again to allowfor dual compression. Sealing surfaces 130, 132, on the other hand, maybe formed from firmer material than sealing surface 140 to help keeppipe F aligned in and parallel with socket 124 and, further, optionallyso that they can absorb shock, for example if tube F is knocked orimpacted by a person or object.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the numeral 220 designates yet anotherembodiment of a coupling assembly. Similar to coupling assemblies 20 and120, coupling assembly 220 may include a locking ring 222 (shown only inphantom in FIG. 14) and a pipe socket 224, similar to locking ring 122and socket 124 described above. Socket 224 is formed in an end portionof a pipe, such as drain pipe F, or any other pipe, for coupling to anend portion of an adjacent pipe.

In the illustrated embodiment, coupling assembly 220 includes a sealassembly 228 that forms one or more pipe sealing surfaces 230, 232 on aninterior surface 226 of socket 224. In the illustrated embodiment, sealassembly 228 comprises an annular web or cylindrical sleeve 228 a formedfrom a cylindrical wall with annular projections on both its inner orinterior and outer or exterior surfaces. Although described as annular,at least the projections on the exterior may be radially spaced discreteprojections. The projections on the interior surface form annularsealing surfaces 230 and 232, while the projections 230 a, 232 a on theexterior surfaces form engagement structures to mount the sealingassembly to socket 224. Similar to sealing surfaces 30, 32, 130, 132,pipe sealing surfaces 230, 232 are spaced along the longitudinal axis ofsocket 224 so that they too can provide assistance with keeping tube Faligned in socket 224. Further, while socket 224 is illustrated with twosealing surfaces 230, 232, it is within the scope of the invention forsocket 224 to include fewer or additional pipe sealing surfaces arrangedparallel with, but spaced from, sealing surfaces 230, 232.

Socket 224 also includes a rim 236 defining an opening into an interiorof socket 224 through which neck portion 14 (FIGS. 1A and 2) may beinserted. Seal assembly 228 further includes a rim sealing surface 240,which is also formed on web 228 a at its upper end so sealing surfaces230, 232, and 240 are mechanically joined together as a unit. Rimsealing surface 240 is similarly formed by a projection, but an upwardlyand outwardly extending projection that forms a recess for receivingtherein the upper rim of socket 224 to thereby mechanically couple rimsealing surface 240 to the rim of socket 224.

Sealing surfaces 230, 232, and 240, together may similarly form pipecoupling sealing surfaces, such as pipe coupling sealing K shown inFIGS. 7A-7B and 8A-8B.

In one example, sealing surfaces 230, 232, and 240 are formed from anysuitable rubber material that is capable of withstanding harsh chemicalsof drain cleaners, while still providing a sealing surface. For example,suitable rubbers include neoprene rubber.

In the illustrated embodiment, similar to the previous embodiment, asnoted, interior surface 226 of socket 224 is provided with grooves 226 aand 226 b adapted to support each of the sealing surfaces 230 and 232.Thus, when projections 230 a, 232 a, which have upper and lower parallelengagement surfaces 230 a′, 232 a′, are inserted into grooves 226 a, 226b, which have corresponding bearing surfaces 226 a′, 226 b′, web 228 aand sealing surfaces 230, 232 are each mechanically coupled to interiorsurface 226 of socket 224. Upper end of web 228 a also includes anoutwardly extending projection 240 a on its outer surface for receipt inrecess 226 c so that that rim sealing surface 240 also mechanicallycoupled to interior surface 226 of socket 224. Though it should beunderstood that a separate rim sealing surface may be provided.

Although illustrated as being aligned with a respective sealing surface,engagement structures formed by projections 230 a, 232 a, and 240 a maybe offset from sealing surfaces 230, 232, and/or 240. Further, thenumber of projections may be decreased or increased and need not matchthe number of sealing surfaces. Further, as would be understood from thedescription that follows, the materials forming projections 230, 232 a,and/or 240 a may be different from the material forming sealing surfaces230, 232, and/or 240.

The pipe sealing surfaces 230, 232 and rim sealing surface 240 canoptionally be bonded with the interior surface 226 in recesses orgrooves 226 a, 226 b, and 226 c using an adhesive or a weld. In oneexample, sealing surfaces 230, 232, and 240 are molded, such as bysilicone injection molding, into a single unitary sealing assembly withweb 228 a, such as shown in FIG. 15, which facilitates placement andreplacement.

In the illustrated embodiment, web 228 a is configured so that sealingsurfaces 230 and 232 project radially outward of web 228 a sufficientlyfor receipt into recesses or grooves 226 a, 266 b, and/or 226 c but alsoso that web 228 a contacts the interior surface 226 of socket 222. Inthis manner, web 228 a and sealing surfaces 230 and 232 may follow theinterior surface of socket 224 and so that web 228 a may also be coupledto the interior surface 226 of socket 224, such as shown in FIG. 14.

Further, sealing surfaces 230, 232, and 240 and web 228 a are optionallymolded with the interior surface of socket 224 using two shot molding sothat the respective sealing surfaces and web are integrally joined withthe interior surface 226. For example, socket 224 can be made from asuitable polymeric material, such as polyvinylchloride, through aninjection molding process, and sealing surfaces 230, 232, and 240 may beformed during a separate injection molding process to bond the sealingsurfaces 230, 232, and 240 to the surfaces of socket 224.

Alternately, seal assembly 228 or at least the projections (which formssealing surfaces 230, 232, and/or 240) may be formed from a sealantmaterial that allows a snap fit coupling of seal assembly 228 in a pipeor pipe coupler, such as socket 224. In this manner, sealing assemblymay be retro fit into a pipe or pipe coupler, for example, when themanufactured seals or original seals are damaged or have deteriorated.

In one embodiment, sealing surfaces 230, 232, and 240 are formed fromsilicone or silicone-based material due at least in part to itselastomeric and stress relaxation characteristics. Silicone-basedmaterials can also be relatively resistant to heat compared to otherelastomers and can generally provide acceptable or better sealingpressure when used with the coupling assembly 220.

For further details of locking ring 222 reference is made to lockingring 122.

In the illustrated embodiment, rim sealing surface 240 extends below theangled surface of the locking and couples to interior surface 226, asnoted above, via groove 226 c, which is also below the rim angledsurface. Optionally, rim sealing surface 240 extends only partiallyacross the rim, which allows for dual compression from the inserted tubeF and the locking ring. In addition, sealing surfaces 230, 232, and/or240 may be formed from different materials and from different materialthan web 228, which allows seal assembly 220 to exhibit differentproperties as needed.

Thus, when the tube is inserted, the tube applies force on the inwardlyfacing sides of sealing surfaces 230, 232 and 240, which in turn createa force on the back side of sealing surfaces 230,232, and 240 therebysealing the back of the cylindrical sleeve 228 a against socket 224.Recesses or channels 226 a, 226 b, and 226 c therefore help keep theseal assembly in place and create back side sealing locations.

Accordingly, the pipe coupling assemblies described herein providesmultiple sealing surfaces that seal against an outside surface of an endportion of a pipe inserted into the pipe coupling assembly. At least oneof the sealing surfaces is compressed as the inserted end portion andthe pipe coupling assembly are drawn together into a fully installedposition.

Various additional alterations and changes beyond those alreadymentioned herein can be made to the above-described embodiments. Thisdisclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments or to limitthe scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated ordescribed in connection with these embodiments. For example, and withoutlimitation, any individual element(s) of the described embodiments maybe replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similarfunctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes,for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those thatmight be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternativeelements that may be developed in the future, such as those that oneskilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limitingthe element to the singular.

We claim:
 1. A pipe coupling seal assembly for inserting into andsealing a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit inserted intothe pipe coupling seal assembly, the first fluid conduit having an innersurface and a recess formed therein, and the second fluid conduit havingan outer surface, and said pipe coupling seal assembly comprising: acylindrical sleeve configured for insertion into the first fluid conduitand for receiving the second fluid conduit to seal against the innersurface of the first fluid conduit and the exterior surface of thesecond fluid conduit; and said cylindrical sleeve including acylindrical wall having inner side with an inner surface and an outerside with an outer surface and being formed from a sealant material, afirst projection extending from said inner surface of said cylindricalwall to form a sealing surface to seal against the exterior surface ofthe second fluid conduit, and a second projection extending from saidouter surface of said cylindrical wall to form an engagement structureto mechanically couple said cylindrical sleeve to the interior surfaceof the first fluid conduit and for receipt in the recess of the firstfluid conduit to help keep said seal assembly in place.
 2. The sealassembly according to claim 1, wherein said seal assembly is forinsertion into a first fluid conduit with an interior surface having aplurality of recesses, wherein said second projection comprises aplurality of projections, and wherein at least two of said plurality ofsecond projections form engagement structures to mechanically couplesaid cylindrical sleeve to the interior surface of the first fluidconduit and for receipt in at least two of the recesses of the firstfluid conduit to help keep said seal assembly in place.
 3. The sealassembly according to claim 2, wherein each of said second projectionsform engagement structures to mechanically couple said cylindricalsleeve to the interior surface of the first fluid conduit and forreceipt in each of the recesses of the first fluid conduit to help keepsaid seal assembly in place.
 4. The seal assembly according to claim 3,wherein said cylindrical wall has a terminal end, one of said pluralityof second projections formed at said terminal end of said cylindricalwall.
 5. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein said sealassembly is for insertion into a first fluid conduit with a rim, andsaid cylindrical wall including a first end with a first opening forreceipt of the second fluid conduit, and said first end including aprojection extending from said first end to thereby form a rim seal toprovide a rim sealing surface for sealing against the rim of the firstfluid conduit.
 6. The seal assembly according to claim 5, wherein saidrim seal includes a recess to form an engagement structure to receivetherein and mechanically couple to a portion of the first fluid conduit.7. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein said secondprojections are formed from the same material as the first projections.8. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein said secondprojections are formed from a different material than the firstprojections.
 9. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein each ofsaid second projections includes upper and lower parallel engagementsurfaces.
 10. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein saidsecond projections are configured for forming a snap fitting couplingwith the first fluid conduit.
 11. A kit assembly comprising a sealassembly according to claim 4, in combination with a locking ring, saidlocking ring for securing the second fluid conduit to the first fluidconduit.
 12. The kit assembly according to claim 11, wherein saidlocking ring is configured for compressing said rim seal against the rimof the first fluid conduit.